Semin Plast Surg 2009; 23(4): 264-273
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1242178
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Isolated Management of the Aging Neck

Juan D. Mejia1 , Farzad R. Nahai2 , Foad Nahai2 , Adeyiza O. Momoh3
  • 1Private Practice, Medellin, Colombia
  • 2Paces Plastic Surgery, Atlanta, Georgia
  • 3Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Clinical Care Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
16 November 2009 (online)

ABSTRACT

The contour of the neck is a very important determinant of facial aesthetics. Precise knowledge of neck anatomy is essential for adequate planning and execution of this procedure. There are three anatomic and surgical planes involved in the management of the aging neck; the superficial plane (subcutaneous fat), the intermediate plane (platysma muscles and the fat between the two muscles), and the deep plane (subplatysmal fat, the anterior belly of the digastric muscles, and the submandibular glands). These planes need to be thoroughly evaluated in the preoperative assessment and dealt with according to each patient's needs. Even though this article focuses on isolated management of the aging neck, careful evaluation of the neck and its relationship to the lower third of the face is fundamental. If there is significant jowling and descent of the neck-face interface, an isolated neck-lift procedure will not address that problem and will lead to a suboptimal result. In these patients, a face and neck lift is a more appropriate operation.

REFERENCES

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SUGGESTED READINGS

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Farzad R NahaiM.D. 

Paces Plastic Surgery, 3200 Downwood Circle

NW, Suite 640, Atlanta, GA 30327

Email: drnahai@gmail.com